The Atlantic Connectivity Alliance received confirmation that its application for slots at Heathrow has been rejected by Airport Co-Ordination Limited, the authority responsible for slot allocation and schedule facilitation at all…
The Atlantic Connectivity Alliance received confirmation that its application for slots at Heathrow has been rejected by Airport Co-Ordination Limited, the authority responsible for slot allocation and schedule facilitation at all major airports in the UK.
Astraeus Airlines, an established provider of chartered and scheduled services throughout Europe, Africa, North America and Central Asia, submitted the application two weeks ago on behalf of the action group.
Expressing disappointment with the latest development, Mayor of Clare and Alliance member Cllr. Patricia McCarthy said, The application for slots was an option the Alliance felt had to be pursued, as part of its ongoing efforts to retain services between Shannon International Airport and London Heathrow. Regrettably we accept that the door has been firmly closed on this application and we would like to express our gratitude to Astraeus Airlines for its support.
However, the Alliance will continue to emphasise the importance of maintaining quality and permanent connectivity between the West of Ireland and Heathrow, added the Mayor.
She stated, The Atlantic Connectivity Alliance still requires explanation from Government as to why these slots were not protected as put forward in the prospectus for the privatisation of Aer Lingus.
The Mayor stated that the Aer Lingus`s financial argument for moving its Heathrow slots from Shannon to its new base in Belfast did not stand up.
Aer Lingus anticipates carrying 500,000 passengers on its Belfast routes within the first twelve months of operation. Yet, it is abandoning Shannon Airport where it carried 320,000 passengers each year on its Heathrow route alone. The Alliance will continue to impress upon the Irish Government, as shareholders in the airline, to raise questions over the commercial viability of Aer Lingus`s proposed move, said Mayor McCarthy.
John Brassil, Chairman of the Atlantic Connectivity Alliance added, The Irish Government must now work towards ensuring quality connectivity to an international hub ahead of January 14th next, when the Aer Lingus service from Shannon to Heathrow is scheduled to cease. The Alliance will continue to support ongoing efforts by the Shannon Airport Authority to promote incentives aimed at attracting new airlines into Shannon from strategic European hubs.
He indicated that good quality access to and from Shannon International Airport has played a major role in the economic and tourism development of the Region.
Numerous multinational companies, backed up by the IDA, have stated such high quality access is irreplaceable and remains key to maintaining their operations in the Western region. Therefore it is incumbent upon the Government to take any action necessary to ensure that Shannon and the West of Ireland retains permanent and quality connectivity to an international hub such as Heathrow, concluded Mr. Brassil.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
